US Trade Tribunal Considers Import Ban on Apple Watch Over Patent Violation

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled that Apple is infringing on a patent owned by medical technology company Masimo, potentially leading to a ban on importing Apple Watches to the US. The patent in question relates to blood oxygen tracking technology on Apple Watches. The decision now awaits a Presidential review, and Apple has the option to appeal. The Biden administration will have 60 days to veto the ban, although past US Presidents have rarely done so. Apple believes the decision should be reversed and will continue its efforts to appeal. Masimo CEO Joe Kiani sees the ruling as a message that even the largest company is not above the law. The specific models of Apple Watch that could be affected by the ban are unclear, but Masimo's complaint targeted the Apple Watch 6, which introduced blood oxygen tracking.